How to sort, purge and organize your closet with this simple strategy from a pro.

1. Gather your supplies
You'll need six boxes, bins or bags, says Marie Potter, director of marketing for the Professional Organizers of Canada. Label these "donate," "sell," "give away," "repair," "return" and "toss."

2. Take everything—yes, everything—out of the closet
Sort your clothes into categories and try on every last piece. Say goodbye to anything that doesn't fit or isn't worth altering; doesn't flatter your skin tone; is outdated, stained, snagged, pilled or yellowed around the collar or cuffs; has been kept out of guilt (gifts); or hasn't been worn in two years.

3. Put anything left back into your closet
These are the items you love and use, and that fit, says Potter. Deal with the purged items immediately: Drop off donations, contact your local consignment shop about your salable items and return what you still have receipts for.

4. What about "aspirational" clothes?
If you're working on losing weight, label a bin "close" for outfits that might fit soon. Write a deadline on the bin and, if you hit your goal, keep the clothes.

For more closet organization tips, check out how to organize your bedroom closet.
 

This story was originally part of "Let It Go" in the September 2015 issue.             Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!